Which Is The Best Chainsaw For You – Chainsaw Reviews

The best chainsaw for any specific user is one that is suitable for the task that is intended for depending on power capacity, weight, and the user’s experience with chainsaw use, ease of use and safety features. It should also be well within the budget of the prospective buyer.

You’ve decided you want to buy a chainsaw, but you don’t know where to begin – an understandable dilemma. You might think to yourself, which brands make the best chainsaws, which types of chainsaws are available, and what should I know before I buy one?

Below are reviewing on some of the best chainsaws available as well as other information about chainsaws intended to the new chainsaw user with knowledge about chainsaws, and also guide them on how to select the right chainsaw for your needs.

How To Pick The Best Chainsaw

There are so many online resources and reviews available that can help a beginner who is looking to purchase a chainsaw for the very first time.

Of course, professional chainsaw users and even other users who have been using a chainsaw for a long time may not require any guidance when picking the right chainsaw. This is because they have prior experience with chainsaw use and already know exactly what they are looking for.

However, if you are a new chainsaw user, below are some of the factors you need to consider so that you purchase the best chainsaw for you.

1. Use The Following Questions As A guide

What Kind Of Chainsaw Will You Be Doing?

Different chainsaws are designed for different sawing needs. Gas chainsaws are powered by gasoline and don’t require a cord. Electric chainsaws plug into an outlet and use electricity – these are usually safer, but they use a wired connection for power which can be limited.

Recently, battery-powered chainsaws have grown in popularity. They’re cordless like gas-powered chainsaws, but once they run out of battery power they’ll need to charge for several hours.

Gas chainsaws are designed for heavy-duty wood cutting. They’re the most popular choice among professional landscapers and contractors because of their power, but they’re not always necessary for homeowners with small projects.

For small projects, consider an electric powered chainsaw. Electric chainsaws are great for cutting small trees and pruning shrubs, but you can’t use them to take down large trees.

Electric chainsaws are quiet, making them a great choice if you don’t want to disturb your neighbors while you’re working. To use an electric chainsaw efficiently, you’ll need a heavy-gauge weatherproof extension cord (preferably over 100ft) in order to reduce your risk of injury.

Where (What Kind Of Environment) Will You Be Using The Chainsaw?

The kind of environment you will be doing your sawing is also very important when choosing a chainsaw. Electric chainsaws are ideal for indoor use and use in residential areas because they produce significantly less noise than gas-powered chainsaws. They are quiet and won’t disturb you or your neighbors.

If you are going to use the chainsaw in densely wooded areas, it is advisable to buy a gas powered chainsaw or a battery-powered electric model that will be easy to operate in such an environment.

A corded electric model will be highly inconvenient in such areas because the cord is likely to get tangled in the shrubbery or woods making it difficult for the user to operate.

How Frequently Will You Be Using The Chainsaw?

Most occasional chainsaw users and homeowners use their chainsaws for only a few months each year and store the chainsaw during the remaining months of the year.

If you are in this category, an electric model will be ideal for you since unlike gas-powered models, electric models require little to no maintenance and can be store for months on end without any damage.

On the other hand, gas-powered chainsaws are high maintenance and especially so when they need to be stored for more than a few months.

If you choose to buy a battery-powered electric model, it is important to remember to charge the batteries from time to time even during the storage period even if you have not used it.

Do You Have Any Prior Experience With Chainsaw Use?

If you are a complete beginner and don’t have much experience with chainsaw use, you should pick a light chainsaw 12-Inch to 18-Inch that is packed with a lot of safety features to ensure that you are comfortable handling the chainsaw.

How Much Money Are You Willing To Spend On A Chainsaw?

At the end of the day, each potential buyer has a budget. You should buy a chainsaw that you can comfortably afford provided that it is suitable to your needs.

Fortunately, there are many great chainsaw models from different brands designed for each user. You can not miss a chainsaw that you can afford.

How Fit Are You?

Physically is an important aspect when using a chainsaw. Elderly people and those who may not be physically fit should buy smaller and lighter electric chainsaws which they can comfortably afford.

Operating large gas-powered chainsaws is not only exhausting, it is also very dangerous if you are not fit enough to handle the weight.

2. Check Online Reviews On The Chainsaw Types And Models Suitable For You

When you have asked yourself the above questions, you can then be able to select the best chainsaw for you. Check online resources and customer reviews on the chainsaw models under the chainsaw type you prefer.

These resources will help you narrow down your choices making it easier for you to select the best out of them.

3. Compare The Chainsaws And Make Your Choice

Once you have narrowed down the chainsaw models you prefer taking account of all the above factors, you can check the chainsaws for safety features.

A chainsaw fitted with many safety features is great because it will make sawing safer and also make the chainsaw easy for the user to handle.

Best Chainsaw Reviews – Our Top Picks

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a powerful chainsaw designed for both serious and hobbyist users. The saw draws this power from its unique x-torq engine. But, in spite of its commendable cutting power, the chainsaw is also quite light, which makes it easier to wield and suited for extended periods of use.

And because of its good engine power, the saw should cut through timber with ease and speed. The presence of a vibration dampening system on this saw also means you can make cleaner cuts and suffer less fatigue during use. This brand is also respected for its quality products, and this means you can expect durability when using this great chainsaw.

The chainsaw also comes with a special air filter cleaning system. The innovation, which also makes the chainsaw compliant with CARB (California Air Resources Board) recommendations, also offers users the convenience of not cleaning the air filter all the time. The fact that the saw has a centrifugal air cleaning system that removes the larger debris before it gets to the air filter helps a great deal.

Pros:

Eco-friendly with up to 60% less emissions and 20% lower fuel consumption

Whether cold or hot, the saw is very easy to start.

Quite light in weight, which makes it a lot easier to use.

Chain brake system that stops the chain during moments of instability for increased safety

Aneasier engine start up process

Cons:

The chainsaw is a little more complex to service than some other options in the market.

The provided user manual does not offer much in the way of troubleshooting options

When it comes to raw cutting power, few chainsaws can stand up to what this Poulan 2-stroke gas has to offer. The engine features what the manufacturer calls OxyPower engine technology, which ensures you have a little extra power in case you need the saw for more demanding jobs. Because of this power, this chainsaw can be used to fell trees, clean up, and handle demanding wood cutting jobs with ease.

And for those worried about how difficult chainsaws are to start, owing this Poulan chainsaws promises to make a difference. Like other great Poulan chainsaws, this model has a spring-assisted Effortless Pull- Start System (EPS). The pull starting system requires 30% less power for easier starting.

This feature reduces starting effort and the risk of engine damage brought about by engine flooding. Quality is also something you can expect while using this product, which is something buyers have come to expect of Poulan products.

Pros:

The machine is very easy to start

Fuel efficient since it consumes 20% less fuelthat typical alternatives

Maintenance is enhanced by the face that the combi tool is intergrated into the rear handle.

The chainsaw offers an easy access to the filter and the spark plug for greater maintenance convenience.

Cons:

The chainsaw is a little hefty, and that might make it a little more tiring to use during prolonged cutting tasks.

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw is described as a beast of a machine that is well suited to professional wood cutting. The chainsaw feature as 59.8cc 2-stroke gas-powered chain that give it power to rip through wood with ease and precision.

The starter rope features a decompression valve, which should make the rope easier to pull when starting up the saw. The feature is provided through a button. Additionally, the saw features an electronic ignition system.

The chain is oiled automatically. In fact, the automatic oiling is adjustable for greater versatility. The saw also features vibration control and a quality one at that.

For safety, the chainsaw has a chain braking system in case of a kickback. The design of the saw is also ergonomically thought-out for a comfortable use experience. The comfort is enhanced by the presence of high-quality vibration control.

Pros:

The decompression valve offers a less demanding startup experience

Filtering is less troublesome on this saw due to a pre-filtering system

Air filter and spark plug maintenance easy as no tools are required to access them

A highly acclaimed chain brake for increased safety

Very durable due to high-quality construction materials

A reliable and easy to use chain tensioning system

Cons:

Premium price makes it out of reach of budget shoppers

The non- replaceable roller nose means a new bar is needed when the roller fails

In addition to being described by Makita as “tool-less” because you don’t need tools to adjust the blade and the chain, this electric chainsaw is among the best- rated in the market as we speak for other reasons as well.

For instance, start ups are usually an issue with many chainsaws, but this Makita model rises above this problem by featuring a large trigger switch as well as a soft start. This contributes to a smoother start up.

And for the environmentally conscious chainsaw fans like myself, the fact that this saw has zero emissions is huge plus. But in spite of these fancy features, this saw still packs a punch – the chainsaw is designed to provide faster cutting, even during serious cutting jobs.

You are less likely to run into costly repairs when using this saw. That is because it has an in-build current limiter reduces motor power during overloads. The safety feature also kicks in when the saw senses an increased chance of burnout.

Pros:

Oil level easy to monitor because of the viewing window

The rubber grip handles ensure a comfortable use experience

The large oil reservoir adds to the maintenance convenience the saw has to offer.

For greater productivity, the chainsaw has electric chain brake.

The chainsaw is designed for an easier maintenance experience, which is a big plus, especially for novice chainsaw owners.

It may be a cordless electric chainsaw, but this Black+Decker power cutting tool offers more than just improved maneuverability. With its serious cutting power, the chainsaw has managed has managed to be among the leading chainsaws in the market at the moment.

It is also suitable for both live and dry wood cutting and it can do this with speed, power and effiency. Despite relying on a battery, the saw promises to provide a fade- free performance. Therefore, don’t expect the performance of the saw to go down as battery power gets depleted.

The chainsaw relies on an Oregon bar and chain, a component combo provides a premium cutting performance and reduced vibration. Additionally, despite its reliance on battery power, the chainsaw can manage to cut up 60 pieces of 4 by 4 pine lumber before requiring recharge.

Pros:

An automated lubrication feature makes for a better use experience

The chain and blade can be tensioned easily and quickly without the need for any tools

It is light in weight, which greatly adds to its use convenience.

Its handle has a full wrap around for a more ergonomic grip and better physical handling.

Cons:

The saw is not well suited for heavy cutting jobs due to its reliance on battery power

The chainsaw consumes quite a bit of oil, so be prepared to deal with constant refills.

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher, with its ample 20-inch blade and powerful 60.3cc 2-stroke engine, promises to deliver a better cutting experience that other products in its class. This is because the chainsaw has an X-Torg engine, which should give it greater cutting ability than similarly powered chainsaw.

Additionally, the chainsaw relies on a 3-piece crankshaft for extreme durability and long life. The handles are comfortable to hold, and the chainsaw well-balanced with regard to weight so that it is easier to wield even when cutting from unusual positions.

Furthermore, its ergonomic design and easy maintenance experience should also make it suitable for domestic cutting jobs.

As with other premium saws, the 460 Rancher has an innovative start feature, the Smart Start. Additionally, the chainsaw has a combined choke/stop control feature help easy start and reduce risk. And with its vibration control feature, users can expect greater stability, less fatigue and use efficiency during use.

The durability of this chainsaw should also be a welcome feature for many. The saw make from premium quality materials to ensure a lasting use experience.

Pro:

The air filter is easy to clean and replace due to the quick release feature

With its CARB compliance, the saw ranks highly on safety and efficiency

Chain tensioning is easy due to the easily accessible side mounted chain tensioner

The Timberpro 62cc is suitable for both commercial and domestic use. Its two-stroke, air cooled engine makes this chainsaw quite powerful.

To begin with, the machine is easy to start because of its assisted starting mechanism. The system is made of alloy for greater durability. And the 20-inch bar on this saw features a roller-tipped nose, which is premium feature on these power tools as it increases power output and lowers stress on the chain.

The chain is lubricated automatically. Tensioning the chain should be easy as the chainsaw features a side mounted chain tensioner.

You will also get plenty of extras when using this chainsaw, including a storage bag, a detailed manual, 2 chains, a blade guard, and a fuel mixing bottle. A 2-year warranty is also provided with the purchase.

Whether cutting up wood is a hobby or serious business for you, this gas chainsaw might be the solution you need. That is because of its amply-sized 14-inch blade and a powerful Pure Fire engine.

The chainsaw has been designed to provide professional and powerful performance. Tanaka also promises that you will get clean cuts with this chainsaw. The manufacturer has also put considerable effort into making the machine light in weight, despite its powerful engine.

The lower power-to-weight ratio means you should not get as tired when using this chainsaw as you typically should with a similarly-powered wood cutting tool. To add to this comfort and use convenience is a thoughtful anti-vibration feature. The saw also has an inbuilt lanyard, which should make for an easier carrying experience, for instance, when climbing up trees.

You should expect to get a quicker and more convenient chain adjustment experience with this chainsaw. That is because of the side access chain tensioning feature on the chainsaw. With some alternatives, this process is convoluted and therefore filled with potential for serious errors.

Pros:

The powerful 2-stroke engine for serious cutting jobs.

You should expect to get a quicker and more convenient chain adjustment experience with this chainsaw because of the side access chain tensioning feature on the chainsaw.

A gear driven oiling system for more convenience

Because of the sprocket mose bar, you should find the chainsaw easier to control during use.

Cons:

It will not always start on the first try, which can be a little frustrating sometimes.

The bar oil can leak, which means more refills during use

Benefits Of Using A Chainsaw

Makes A lot Of Work Easier

Chainsaws are as versatile as they are useful. All over the United States and the world over, chainsaws are used for cutting firewood, logging, felling trees, clearing fallen trees and debris after a storm and even in rescue missions by firefighters.

Without chainsaws, all this work would certainly be very exhausting and would require a lot of manpower to complete.

Covers A Lot Of Work Within Short Period

A chainsaw is capable of felling and cutting a large tree within minutes. It makes sawing, carving, trimming and pruning very fast. A person using a chainsaw takes significantly less time than if that person were to use a hand saw or an Axe to complete the same task

It Can Save You Money

Buying cords firewood each winter does cost homeowners a lot of money each year. Some people buy firewood that they could easily chop from their yards or with a permit if only they had chainsaws.

In addition to this, with a chainsaw, you can trim and prune your trees and plants in around your yard rather than pay someone else to do it for you. These are just some of the ways a chainsaw can save you money.

Ensure That You Know How To Handle And Use The Chainsaw

Before you begin using a chainsaw, ensure that you know how to use it and are comfortable handling it. You can practice and practice with a chainsaw until you feel comfortable using it.

You should never use a chainsaw to cut any trees or limbs that are above your shoulders.

It is very dangerous because if you lose control of the chainsaw, it is likely to fall on you resulting in serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

Ensure That The Chainsaw Is In Good Condition

Always check that your chainsaw is in good condition before using it. Regular maintenance is also very important to ensure that your chainsaw remains safe to use and effective. It also helps prolong the life of your chainsaw.

Stay Alert

When using a chainsaw, it is important to stay focused and avoid distractions.

Even a little moment’s distraction can cause you to lose your footing and lose control of your chainsaw. This can result in serious chainsaw injuries.

Frequently Asked Question (F.A.Q)

Question: Are There Electric Chainsaws Designed For Heavy-duty Tasks?

If you want to buy a chainsaw to use for heavy-duty cutting tasks, the best chainsaw for you would be a gas-powered model.

Although there are electric chainsaws that can handle medium to heavy-duty cutting tasks, most just do not have the power capacity to handle such work.

Electric chainsaws are ideal for light to medium sawing jobs.

Question: How Frequently Should A Saw Chain Be Sharpened?

A dull saw chain is one is not only makes sawing more exhausting, it is also dangerous in that it increases the occurrence of kickback.

A chainsaw ideally is sharpened at least after every 2 to 3 hours of heavy-duty sawing. However, you should sharpen your chain as soon as you notice that you are using a lot of waits to cut a tree or log.

One of the most common signs of a dull chainsaw is when the chainsaw produces a lot of sawdust instead of smoothly cutting through wood.

However, to ensure that you keep your chainsaw sharp at all times, sharpen it or ‘touch it up ‘whenever you need to fill your oil tank. Remember that a sharp chainsaw makes sawing that much easier and safer.

Question: What Is The Meaning Of ‘A kickback’?

A kickback occurs when the tip or the nose of guide bar comes into contact with a solid object and the rotating saw chain gets pinched or gets stuck.

Kickback is the force that occurs from this reaction and this force usually throws the chainsaw back in the opposite direction which is often towards the chainsaw user.

The impact of the rotational force causes the operator to lose control of the chainsaw and this may result in severe injury, loss of limbs and even death.

The injuries that may occur in the event of a kickback can be significantly reduced by always wearing protective chaps and other personal safety gear when operating a chainsaw.

Chain and bar lubrication is as important as the fuel used. It is important to use the recommended grade and type of chainsaw oil and in the correct gas-oil ratio at all times.

Regular oil is not recommended because it may damage the internal parts of the chainsaw engine.

If you cannot mix your gas and oil ratios on your own, you can buy pre-mixed fuel from chainsaw dealers and service outlets. Just ensure that the oil you use on your chainsaw is compatible with your engine.

Question: Why Is Chainsaw Fuel Usually Mixed Before Use?

Your chainsaw’s saw chain also needs lubrication in order to run smoothly on the bar guide. The oil also keeps the chainsaw cool while it is running. While gasoline is essential to start and run the chainsaw, oil lubricates the chain and cools the engine.

However, when you buy gasoline, it is usually not mixed with any oil and hence it must be mixed with the correct chainsaw oil to keep the machine running efficiently.

The right quality and fuel mix balance also extend the life of the chain and guide bar.

Question: Is It True That Chaps May Not Be Very Effective In Preventing Injury In The Event Of A Kickback Accident Involving An Electric Chainsaw?

Yes. Unlike gas chainsaw saw chains, electric chainsaw saw chains have high torque /rotating force. Because of this, they will continue to cut even through the chaps in the event of a kickback.

Gas-powered chainsaw chains are usually low torque which simply means that they are designed in such a way that the rotating force is slowed or stopped by the chaps.

The Best Chainsaw Brands

Now that you know what you should look for in a chainsaw, it’s time to look at the best chainsaw brands. The best chainsaw brand for you will depend on your experience level, the type of chainsaw you want, and the projects you need to complete.

In this list, I have selected and categorized the best chainsaw brands for homeowners and for professional chainsaw users based on their popularity and reviews from other chainsaw users. The two top-rated chainsaw manufacturer include; Husqvarna and Stihl.

These two companies are all notable for producing the best electric chainsaw and gas-powered chainsaw in the market used by chainsaw users all over the world. There are other brands that we have included in this list which also produce quality chainsaws.

Although all these companies manufacturer quality chainsaws, the various models produced by each company also differ in terms of features, power and the intended tasks determine whether or not a chainsaw from a particular chainsaw brand will be suitable for a specific user.

Husqvarna

Husqvarna is a Swedish company that was founded back in 1689 for the production of muskets. Since then the company has grown and today they are the part of multiple companies that produce many different things.

The part of the company that we are interested in is very well known amongst the professionals for their top quality outdoor power tools such as chainsaws, trimmers, mowers, etc.

Additional, they also produce cutting equipment, diamond tools, and watering products. The company owns several brands some of which are Gardena, WeedEater, RedMax, Diamond Boart, etc.

They have the reputation worldwide for producing most of the best power tools you can find on the market and the chainsaws are no exception.

The most popular items they produce are their professional-grade chainsaws but they also make quite good lighter electric models. The Husqvarna chainsaws will fit your needs no matter if you are a professional or a first-time user.

The chainsaws are pretty reliable and powerful and they have many additional features to make your cutting easier.

Other than price, the only downside is that their chainsaws are usually much heavier than the other brands which make them hard to handle if you don’t have experience.

The company claims that nature is always a number 1 priority and because of that they equip all of their chainsaws with the unique X-TORQ engines in order to minimize the strain on the environment.

They even offer so-called silent and cordless cutting with their line of battery-powered chainsaws that can perform almost as good as the petrol-powered ones.

Of course, the quality comes with the price and because of that, their products are amongst the most expensive ones on the market.

Pros:

Very reliable and powerful

Fast cutting

Fully-featured

Combined choke/stop control and visible fuel level

Easy start and safe to use

Cons:

Expensive

Generally heavier than other brands

Manual tensioners

Chain problems

Stihl

When we talk about the Stihl brand, the first two things that come to our minds are reliability and power. Stihl is a private corporation from Germany and they are specialized in the production of chainsaws and other power equipment such as trimmers and blowers.

The company was founded in 1926. The founder was Andreas Stihl and he was one of the most important innovators in the early stages of production of chainsaws.

Today, the company claims to be the best-selling brand of chainsaws in the world. They are the choice of many professionals.

Stihl’s areas of expertise are gas-powered chainsaws. Their products are suitable for both homeowners and professionals, although they might be a bit of overkill for some inexperienced users or smaller projects.

One of the most prominent highlights of the Stihl chainsaws are all the advanced safety features that make every job much safer. Their chainsaws are known to have many optional features which can be very useful.

Stihl developed an electronic ignition system for their chainsaws so we don’t have to struggle with starting a chainsaw which makes their products an excellent choice for beginners or first-time users.

The chainsaws made by Stihl are usually used by the tree removal professionals, farmers, and ranchers, but you don’t have to be professional to use their saws. Most of them are small enough so you can store them in your garage and use them for periodical clean-ups.

Pros:

Many optional features

Easy to start and safe use

Electronic ignition system

Extremely powerful and reliable

Anti-vibration system

Very economical when it comes to fuel consumption

Low noise

Cons:

More expensive than most other brands

Air filter need to be checked and cleaned frequently

Poulan

Not to be confused with Poulan Pro, the Poulan brand offers a low-tier array of chainsaws ideal for cutting firewood. Poulan’s tools are a good deal for the price but don’t expect their saws to cut big trees. If you are a chainsaw rookie not interested in commercial work, you should consider getting a Poulan saw.

Their saws offer a cylinder displacement of 40cc, and a bar length of up to 18″ for easy maneuverability in small sections, the weight of their saws is reasonable as well, going from 16 lbs to 19 lbs. However their selling point is their price, Poulan saws can cost as low as 120 dollars, perfect for hobbyists and homeowners.

Pros:

Affordable pricing

Bar length goes from 14″ to 18″, which makes the saws portable.

Easy to maneuver in tight places: Thanks to the bar length and the machine’s portability, it is easy to handle when cutting small sections.

Cons:

Not for heavy duty or for cutting big trees

Usually difficult to start: This is not a problem particular to the Poulan brand, it is a general issue with chainsaws. However, Poulan saws have a tendency to take more time to start and need more heating time in cold season than other brands.

Sloppy controls: We highly recommend anti-vibration gloves when handling their equipment, the Poulan saws don’t generally have an anti-vibration feature.

Echo

Echo claims that their chainsaws are “built to tackle the toughest job”. And they are not lying. With over 30 years in the production of high-quality power tools, they can really deliver what they are offering.

Their chainsaws are perfect for both professionals and beginners. They are packed with useful features and they can serve you for a long time without any troubles. These are most definitely very reliable tools.

The Echo chainsaws have enough power to take on big projects without a problem yet they are still quite practical and easy to use so anyone can operate them easily.

The Echo offers both gas-powered and electric chainsaws that are significantly cheaper than other brands without compromising the quality. This makes the Echo chainsaws a perfect choice for those who want the quality product but are on the budget.

These chainsaws feature high performance, two-stroke motors as well as Pro-Fire ignition systems which give you a quite fast start and more than smooth performance.

They feature a nice vibration reduction technology to ensure comfort and maximum control over your saw. Controls are grouped so you can access all functions of the saw with ease.

Each individual chainsaw is built using professional-grade parts in order to provide the best possible value for the price and there is a vast selection of useful accessories and parts.

Pros:

Very affordable compared to brands of similar power and performance

Smooth performance

Features are practical and straightforward

Automatic oiling system

Comfortable and easy to handle

Cons:

Doesn’t have as many features as some top of the line brands as Stihl or Husqvarna chainsaws

Occasional durability issues

Some users don’t like the looks

Makita

This brand has been a pioneer in the manufacturing of electric power tools; they propose different solutions to common problems like safety or starting the chainsaw. You will need to spend a few bucks because Makita’s tools don’t come in cheap, but they do offer a broad spectrum of instruments that can adapt to the occasional use or the professional use.

Regarding power, Makita chainsaws range from 32cc from 79cc and their bar length goes from 14″ to 20″, so depending on what you need as a user you’ll most certainly have a Makita saw that’s ideal for you.

Pros:

Power range: Unlike other brands, Makita does have a saw for everyone, their most powerful saws (50cc and up) can cut through thick wood like butter.

Quick to Start: Makita implemented an easy start system in their chainsaws by having a spring-assisted starter combined with low RPM ignition coil. This system makes the starter assembly work less and wear less, and the whole start process to be smoother.

Cons:

The price is high compared to other brands, especially if you are an occasional user.

Loosening Chain: The saws have a “Tool-less” chain tensioning for chain adjusted, however, there are several reported cases of the chain getting loose and needing to be readjusted.

Oregon

Oregon is widely known for its production of chainsaw chains, but the company makes high-quality chainsaws as well.

If you’re looking for a lightweight chainsaw for small projects, Oregon may be the best choice for you. Their chainsaws are not suitable for heavy-duty professional projects, but they’re perfect for light tasks.

Pros:

Much more affordable than other brands

Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Designed with inexperienced users in mind

Cons:

Less powerful than Stihl or Husqvarna

Unsuitable for professionals or heavy tasks

Black & Decker

Black & Decker specializes in handy chainsaws from homeowners; their tools are designed for the everyday needs of a garden, their tools don’t cover farm use or commercial use.

The Black & Decker saws are light-weighted, small tools, but they are also light powered (from 20V to 40V) and will satisfy birch trimming.

Pros:

Affordable Pricing

Easy maneuverability

The tools are compact and portable, even the most powerful 12 Amp motor model has a relatively low weight of 12.8 lbs.

Cons:

Tools frequently ship with technical issues with the pump. There are common complaints about the oil not flowing from the pump to the chain.

Not suitable for commercial work

The chain can be jammed relatively easy

Remington

Remington is an American company which has produced many quality outdoor products and tools for over nine decades.

The Remington brand produces excellent electric, gas-powered chainsaw and pole saw models for homeowners and for professional chainsaw users among its products. It has a reputation for producing quality and reliable quality products.

Pros:

Affordable for a wide range of chainsaw users

Features that enhance the safety of the chainsaw user

Easy to use.

Cons:

Unsuitable for heavy tasks

Tanaka

Tanaka is the brand that has been around for a quite while. They gained the most of their popularity during the 60s and 70s when they made “Bike Bug” bolt-on motors for bicycles. The main focus of the company today is the 2-stroke outdoor power tools.

Most of the people haven’t even heard of Tanaka and yet, they are in business since 1915. It is a well respected family-owned Japanese company.

Their chainsaws are an excellent solution for homeowners, professional landscapers, as well as the utility professionals. The Tanaka makes 2-stroke commercial-grade chainsaws.

Most of their models have a great power-to-weight ratio and are powered by Tanaka’s PureFire low-emission engines. The cylinders are always chrome-plated with a steel connecting rod.

Tanaka chainsaws are ideal for limbing, shaping, pruning, hobby work such as chainsaw sculpting, but they also have some serious models for serious professional use. They design their saws to be mobile and end easy to use.

Furthermore, the Tanaka saws feature a superior anti-vibration system making them comfortable to handle. They also provide all the safety features necessary for the safe work.

When it comes to price, the Tanaka chainsaws are very affordable and they provide exceptional value for the price.

Pros:

Affordable price

Superior anti-vibration systems

Low-emission engines

Excellent power-to-weight ratio

Easy to assemble

Cons:

Poor assembly instructions

Some saws are known to leak chain oil

It gets hot very quickly

Jonsered

Jonsered categorizes its chainsaws into occasional use/firewood, part-time forestry use, and full-time forestry use, meaning they manufacture saws that cover most of the user needs, their saws offer a power range from 21cc to 70cc.

Their saws are world-class, quality tools and the brand makes most of the must-have list for farm owners and commercial use.

Pros:

A wide array of applications: Having a selection of cylinder displacement going from 47.5cc to 70cc.

Easy to start: The Spin Start system reduces pull resistance in the starter handle by 90%.

Good price for quality

Turbo air cleaning: This prevents clogged up air vents, their tools use centrifugal force to separate sawdust from air vents.

Cons:

Not for homeowner light use

The tool is less maneuverable than other brands in tight spaces.

WORX

This is a chainsaw brand produced by a Chinese manufacturer. It is known for high quality and highly affordable chainsaw that are very popular with homeowners and occasional users.

The WORX brand has produced excellent chainsaws and made them available for all kinds of chainsaw users.

Because they are very popular with chainsaw users, the manufacturer has been able to mass produce them at a cheaper cost and this is why they are quite affordable.

Pros:

Price very affordable

Easy to use

Cons:

May not be very durable

Not suitable for heavy duty tasks.

Homelite

Homelite is a well-established elite brand when it comes to chainsaws, they used to rule the market back in the 90s. However, with their limited catalog their tools have become mid-range useful chainsaws, not aiming for a casual hobbyist or a commercial user but falling in a weird zone between the two.

Their chainsaws average 42cc in engine capacity and range from 14″ to 18″ bar length so that they can meet a casual part-time farmer needs, but they won’t work for light or heavy work.

Pros:

Safety settings: Homelite saws have anti-kickback features to stop the chain before it does any damage, they are also nicely implemented so that they don’t compromise the speed of the tool.

Homelite’s tools are hard to break tools that work on any terrain.

Cons:

Engine flood: Users have consistently reported that the chainsaws often get knocked down mid-word.

The chainsaws don’t have a quick start-up system, and there is a good deal of strength involved in pulling the cord so that the saw can start.

Unsuitable for heavy use cutting large trees.

Craftsman

Makers of old-fashioned saws, Craftsman has stuck to the traditional, typical stereotype of a chainsaw, you can expect to get a heavy-duty beast when you buy a Craftsman saw, and this is not at all bad. With 50cc of engine capacity and reaching a 20″ bar length, their saws are not intended for homeowners, hobbyists, or casual users.

Pros:

Efficient: Even though they are noisy and heavy, Craftsman machines are very effective and can cut through wood very quickly, the starting process is considerably fast too.

Craftsman tools are designed to reduce the intensity and the frequency of kickbacks, additionally they have chain catchers so that if the chain breaks it won’t whip back to the user.

Cons:

Chainsaw delivers their tools with anti-vibration features. However, you can expect to be tired out from the machine’s weight despite that feature.

Dolmar

Dolmar is the company that has been around for a long time and they have been making chainsaws since the beginning. They are one of the oldest manufacturers of gas-powered chainsaws. In 1991, the company was acquired by Makita, and we all know what quality Makita stands for. Makita enabled Dolmar to go global.

The power tools produced by Dolmar are known to be very strong and very durable. Stone stock and straight out of the box, the Dolmar saw will work perfectly and will be powerful.

They are very easy to handle because they are lighter than most of the other brands. Not only that they are light, but they are also perfectly balanced which is quite important for the safety of those who handle it.

All controls on Dolmar chainsaws are nicely placed so you can operate the saw with ease. Now, the Dolmar offers a bit different but still very practical solutions when it comes to safety and starting the saw.

These are not the cheapest saws you will find but it is worth to spend some extra buck for the tool that will last longer and perform perfectly.

The Dolmar saws are excellent for both professional and occasional use. They offer a very wide power range which means that there is a Dolmar chainsaw for everyone and the most powerful saws will cut through wood like the hot knife through butter.

Pros:

Quick start and easy to use

Light and durable

Ergonomic handles

Cons:

Loosening chain (there have been several reports of chain getting loose and needing readjustment

Not very cheap

Ryobi

Ryobi (Ryobi Limited) is a Japanese company that produces parts for cars and motor vehicles, but they also produce a pretty decent power tools. The company has an excellent reputation for producing affordable power tools with pro features.

When it comes to chainsaws, they are better known for their electric chainsaw, but the gas-powered ones also provide an excellent quality. The company aims at woodworkers, homeowners, craftspeople, outdoor enthusiasts, and value-conscious contractors.

With all those cheap chainsaws on the market, the main goal is to find the one that will provide excellent value and performance for the money. Well, Ryobi chainsaws provide exactly that.

Of course, you can’t really expect the professional quality, because in order to keep the low price they can’t really use premium quality parts. With that being said, these cheap saws will get the job done.

They are easy to start and utilize and quite light and comfortable. Since these are not professional saws, they don’t feature the safety mechanism that will cut out before the engine burns out, so it is recommendable not to force them or to push them too hard, but that can be applied to any chainsaw.

The saws do have some useful features but they are nowhere near Stihl or other top-notch chainsaws.

Pros:

Cheap price

Light and comfortable to handle

Anti-vibration ergonomic handles

Easy to adjust

Chain tensioning system that doesn’t require additional rev up tools

Cons:

Doesn’t have too many features

No safety mechanism to prevent engine from burning out

Conclusion

A chainsaw is not a toy. It is a powerful, versatile machine that can be very dangerous if not used in an intended way or used by an inexperienced person.

For this reason, a lot of planning and consideration should be put into purchasing this machine. The term ‘best chainsaw’ is relative in that one chainsaw can be best for a specific user and task and not suitable for the next chainsaw user.

The factors listed above will help a new chainsaw user to select the best chainsaw for them based on their sawing needs, budget, experience with chainsaw use and many other factors.

There are dozens of chainsaw brands on the market. If you are looking for a quality and durable chainsaw and you can afford it, you can look for the model from Husqvarna, Stihl or Echo that will suit your needs.

However, homeowners and chainsaw users most of who would probably need a chainsaw for light-medium tasks around the yard, it obviously does not make much sense to buy a large expensive gas-powered chainsaw. You can still find excellent chainsaws from WORX, Remington and other brands like Makita, Poulan, and Oregon among others.

If you are not comfortable using a chainsaw, it is always advisable to contact a professional or to ask for assistance from a friend or a relative who has experience with chainsaw use. Always keep in mind that a chainsaw is a dangerous machine that can cause serious injury and even death if not handled in the right way.

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